Millions of people use escalators every day without paying attention to the small brushes running along the sides. While many assume they are designed to clean shoes or keep the escalator tidy, their real purpose is linked to passenger safety and accident prevention.
Chapter 1: The Detail Most People Never Notice
Escalators are among the most commonly used pieces of transportation equipment in shopping malls, airports, train stations, and office buildings. Because they are so familiar, most people rarely stop to examine their design.
One feature that often goes unnoticed is the long row of brushes attached near the edges of the moving steps. These brushes are typically positioned where the step meets the side panel, creating a visible boundary along both sides of the escalator.
For years, many people believed the brushes were intended to sweep away dirt or dust. Others assumed they were decorative additions. However, engineers and safety experts explain that the true reason is much more important.
The brushes serve as a reminder to passengers to stay away from the sides of the escalator, where small gaps exist between the moving steps and the stationary panels. Although these gaps are carefully engineered, keeping feet, clothing, bags, and shoelaces away from them helps reduce the risk of accidents.